Don’t Wait – Live Productively While Young

Life often gets very busy for many young Muslims as they try to balance deen with studies, work, community projects and other commitments. But being ‘busy’ does not always translate into productivity.

Have you ever heard the story of the people of the cave?

In the narration [Qur’an: Chapter 18, Verses 9-26], some young men were described as having their hearts filled with faith and belief in their Lord Almighty. Hence, they sought refuge in a cave away from their disbelieving folks and loved ones, so as to protect themselves against disbelief.

They simply did not keep the faith in their hearts, but took action as well. This motivated them to remain steadfast. This shows the practical way Muslims can balance belief with their actions.

As a young Muslim, life should be more than just about praying, fasting and engaging in other spiritual acts of worship. From daily thoughts to speech and ultimately action or inaction, your character and activities should always be guided by inner faith.

Your youth is a unique period marked by zeal, energy and many opportunities, but it is a passing phase. If you think otherwise, visit your grandparents or an elderly neighbour to find out how their lives are different now as compared to when they were still in their teens, 20s or 30s.

Here is a quick list of productive opportunities that you can utilise to set you on the right track towards having a more productive youth.

1. Boost Your Knowledge

Seeking knowledge brings many benefits to the learner. So whether it is Islamic knowledge or personal development programmes such as those offered by Productive Muslim, there is no end to the opportunities you have to create change. Change happens when you take steps to act on your knowledge.

Nowadays, knowledge can be accessed through various means, online or offline. Before you begin any programme, general or personalised self study, understand your goals and map them out so that they will guide your learning journey. Where available, discuss your needs and present knowledge level with a tutor or mentor. This will enable you to carve out a progressive learning path.

With knowledge comes the responsibility of taking action. So strive to put into practice what you learn and spread the knowledge so that others can benefit. You can do this through writing and sharing your study notes, giving talks and lectures, teaching and mentoring others; and also through recordings – audio, video and PowerPoint presentations.

The Prophet said: “When a person dies, his deeds are cut off except through three: continual flowing charity, knowledge which others benefit, and a pious offspring that supplicates for him.” [Sahih at-Tirmidhi]

And what better time is there to begin traversing the wide sea of knowledge, but at a young age!

2. Nurture Your Faith

From your daily obligatory prayers to the recommended ones, from Ramadan fasting to the nawafil fasts, from compulsory zakat to daily charity, whatever action you do, do it with excellence and for the Pleasure of Allah alone. Also do it according to the authentic sunnah of His Prophet . It is an opportunity to help you build consciousness of Allah in your heart.

The Prophet said, “Ihsan is to worship Allah as though you are seeing Him, and if you cannot see Him, then know for sure that He sees you.” [Sahih Bukhari]

In addition to submitting to Allah , you are able to develop better discipline when you engage in these prescribed acts of worship. While with the congregational ones, the spirit of unity and tolerance is fostered. So guard all of your daily acts of worship with excellence and consistency.

What better investment can be made in this period of life, but of cultivating such rewarding practices.

3. Move Your Body

You can stay active by performing exercises regularly and taking part in sporting activities. Staying fit and healthy will make it easier to perform some rewarding acts of worship as well such as walking to the local masjid and performing the Hajj.

Good health and general wellness will also make it easier for the youth to work hard to earn a halal income, which is another form of worship. When you maintain a physically active life, your brain becomes active and productivity also increases in other areas of life.

Take action today by starting an exercise routine and/or getting a fitness buddy. Use the ProductiveMuslim Habitator to help build up a fitness routine.

Why not walk away your excuses or skip them away. And who says you need a gym, designer gears or a fat wallet to stay fit. You can get started on a new active lifestyle today.

4. Get Social

This period in your life with fewer responsibilities and energy will allow for networking and contributing to the community in many productive ways. You can contribute ideas, knowledge, skills and wealth. It should be about making sincere contributions rather than just hanging around with friends or passing time or even being a copy cat.

Life only gets busier as responsibilities increase, whether at home or with studies. It is best to commit to beneficial work while life permits. You can turn social interactions into worship and productive actions.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Volunteer at the local Islamic centre.

Visit the sick.

Start a charity drive.

Get to know your neighbours – Muslims or non-Muslims – and be an exemplary Muslim.

Collaborate with an Islamic organisation so that you can manage their website or social media accounts from home.

Give it a try today, but remember to start with a sincere intention. Do it for the pleasure of Allah .

5. Mind Those Feelings

From music and friends to porn and gambling, temptations surround the Muslim youth in all directions. Suppressing negative inclinations of the heart as well as pressures of the society, can bring you eternal success and save you from immense regret.

“But as for him who feared standing before his Lord, and restrained himself from impure evil desires and lusts. Verily, Paradise will be his abode.” [Qur’an: Chapter 79, Verses 40-41]

Use your free time for productive deeds such seeking beneficial knowledge, giving dawah and keeping good company. In whatever situation you find yourself, always reflect and question yourself, “Will Allah be pleased with me in this situation? Am I striving for worldly and eternal success with these thoughts or act?”

It will not always be easy for you as a young Muslim, but taking one step at a time towards change helps. Combine this inner struggle with an understanding of the purpose of your creation. When you understand yourself and your feelings, you can strive to become better and learn to seek help when you need it.

Try to keep your mind busy with pure and positive thoughts in anticipation of a unique reward, an everlasting kind.

The message is that every young Muslim can have a productive life.

First, by realising the opportunities that youth offers and then taking action. And secondly, through striving for balance and excellence in every area of life.

“… And whatever good you send before you for yourselves, (i.e. nawafil non-obligatory acts of worship), you will certainly find it with Allah, better and greater in reward. And seek Forgiveness of Allah. Verily, Allah is Most-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.” [Qur’an: Chapter 73, Verse 20]

In what ways do you strive to make your youth productive? What steps will you take today to make it even more productive? Please share in the comments below.

About the Author:

Amina Edota is passionately committed to inspiring other young Muslims find opportunities in their lives – to think better, feel better and live better, as well as have a better connection with Allah through those opportunities. With a background in science and education, Amina loves to explore ideas and make things happen. Through work and other interests, she has enjoyed interacting closely with people of all age groups from pre-school to seniors. She has also mentored young people from different backgrounds. Find her at www.YouthlyHub.com for some inspiration on how to embrace the opportunities in your youth.

Abu Productive is the nickname of the founder & CEO of ProductiveMuslim.com, Mohammed Faris. He is an international coach, author, and speaker who helps professionals and entrepreneurs live the best versions of themselves spiritually, physically and socially. He's also the author of the book "The ProductiveMuslim: Where Faith Meets Productivity" Get your copy here (ProductiveMuslimBook.com)

Tanveer, I highly recommend the book ”The Music Made Me Do it” by Dr Gohar Mustaq.

It is well researched and backed by evidences from the Qur’an and Sunnah; comments by various experts (psychologists, medical researchers etc) as well experiences of young people and Inspirational Muslim leaders.

Assalamalikom brothers
you are amazing and I’d like to thank you for all your efforts . walahi you change so much in my life in good way . i used to share your tips and articles with my friends who are not visiting your web site .
may Allah bless you all

Aslm. Amina I thoroughly enjoyed reading your article. I’m a mother of 2 grown up sons 20 & 18. However, I wanted to forward the article to them but if I do they probably find it too overwhelming.The society we live in isn’t majority “muslim” and even when in contact with muslims they don’t always portray or practice their religion as we are meant to be.
I find it a real challenge for them. I’d like them to pray but I can’t force them.
What will be the best way, in your mind to, pick up the prayer rug once more and use in to please Allah in salat?
I used to remind them every salat but now it’s at a point of ;Mum ?! You know I don’t pray so why bother me with it kind of thing?
It hurts me but it’s the truth and there’s no way in hiding things.
I also have a 14 year old daughter and then she wonders why should I pray ?
My brothers don’t.
Yes, I’ve told her so many times don’t look to them . Look to yourself etc..Masha Allah,she prays in her own way making dua , which is very good but adding salat to it would be much better.

How do we as parents build that close relationship with our growing children?
They want to chat to their friends and my daughter for instance seems less interested to have a chat with me than say 2 years ago.

May Allah reward your struggles as a loving & concerned mother. Do not despair, remember this life is a test after test after test. Although I have no solutions, but here are a few suggestions. And Allah Alone guides

– Make a lot of Dua for your children, asking for Allah’s Guidance & Mercy on them.
– Make a lot of Dua for patience and better understanding of your children’s personal struggles.
– Enrich your Islamic knowledge and act on what you learn.
– Read about the Prophetic way of interacting with children & young Muslims
– Try to be a model yourself. e.g Always pray on time, read the Quran daily, keep good company etc
– Attend Islamic events or volunteer at your local masjid or Islamic centre and invite them along.
– Buy them Islamic books, CDs, magazines etc as gifts
– Subscribe to an Islamic channel and watch together as a family.
– Don’t be too preachy, try to talk to them about everyday life – share your wisdom/ experiences and try to build a healthy relationship.
– Stay productive and develop yourself.
– Share articles, videos and podcasts you think will benefit them including this one. You never know when a word will touch them in a different way.

Assalamu Alaikum, I’m not the author of this great article, but I thought I’d add my two cents anyway. I’m 19 myself, so I believe I can somewhat relate to what your children must be going through. Living in a non-Muslim country can definitely be a challenge. But forcing children to do certain acts of worship won’t get them anywhere since deeds are rewarded by their intentions. The things you can do is to make continuous du’a for your sons and daughter so that Allah guides them to the straight path. And be a good rolemodel to them which I’m sure you already are. Eventually their “Aha-Islam-Is-The-Truth-Moment” will come insha’Allah. This is an issue many parents have to deal with unfortunately and would be a topic for an entire article that I will do my best to write in the coming months insha’Allah. I’ll keep you in my du’as. Wassalam. :)

Wa alaykum salaam Sr, Naima. Thanks for your contribution. And look forward to your article. It is definitely worth discussing further. Young Muslims face such huge challenges today. May Allah make it easy all Muslim parents and young people.

Aslamalaykoum sister. Masha Allah, keeping up with Islaam when you’re abroad isn’t easy. But you should know that a duaa of a mum is very powerful. And I’ve read somewhere that a few mothers who’ve experienced this made duaa in their last sujood in their last rakaah. Make duaa with a sincere heart. The duaa is from Surah Ibrahim, verse 40. Please memorise this duaa and include it in every salah you make. Insha Allah, they will start praying soon (everything takes time, so dont get overwhelmed if this takes time too.) I hope Allah SWT makes it easy on you, please make duaa for me too insha Allah.

The way I am trying or currently implementing productivity in my life is by using the concept of ‘purpose’. We often get distracted in what ever we are doing, and forget the purpose. We are here for a reason, so lets not forget that reason/purpose.

E.g. If I go to the library I must remind myself that I am here for a purpose, not to socialize, go on Facebook, procrastinate etc. Similarly if I’m at work, i’m here for a purpose, same applies when performing Salah (being mindful of it’s purpose). I find by keeping track of why and what reason you are doing what your doing helps achieve productivity, as it aids the visualization of the goal you are trying to achieve.

Assalamu Alaikum,
Masha Allah,and Jazak Allah Khairan so much for your effort for this most wanted article.
Alhamdulillah I have been able to see matters through the lens of productivity after getting to know PM and implement in my life. Alhamdulillah .
Hoping to develop my level of productivity through your awesome ideas.
Once again Jazak Allah Khairan .

Salamo alayki Amina! here’s my question, what are the limits of woman’s work? I ask my self this question several times a day! i want to serve Islam and Allah, but people keep telling me that “staying at home is the best thing for woman,for her Deen, and life”,(i live in a arabic country!), but i think if i stay at home(what i’ll never do !) I will not get better but I’d rather worse! …I like working under pressure, I like adventures and challenges, this way I get closer to Allah, i become a better muslimah,more sure and certain about Islam and my relationship with Allah hardens, but on the other hand, I dont want to go beyond the limits,forget my main role and disrespect myself.
what do you advise me? if there is a book that can help me or something….Jazaki Laho Khayran sister :)

Masha Allah! Its good to ponder and think about your role in life. But your ultimate guide should be the Qur’an and Sunnah.

As the message of the article goes, ‘every youth can have a productive life’. Do not be limited by what others think & say, build a productive life wherever you find yourself – using the Qur’an and Sunnah as your guide. Your ultimate goal should be seeking the Pleasure of Allah. So boost your knowledge and your connection with Allah. You will find your answers in the teachings of our beautiful religion.

Read more about the inspirational stories of the Mothers’ of the believers and companions of the Prophet (saw). They led pious lives, yet remained active & productive.

As salaamu alaikum. I am very thankful that I found this site. I enjoyed this article, especially the part about goals and maps. It is so easy to get off track or sidelined by day-to-day activities. I work at an Islamic School and have printed two copies of your free ebook (one for me and one for the teachers` room). I look forward to starting to read it at lunch today. Thank you and May Allah reward this effort.

Salamunalaikum, Amina. Reading this piece I thought;who wtote this?Alas,she bears The Name of The Mother of The Greatest and The Best ever!AlhamduliLLAH. Perhaps that’s why is good to pick names of Quality.JazaakiLLAH bi khairat . This is the best of recent from PM.You have written on productivity with Islamic perspective,quoting from Islamic sources and enabling the connection.This is not like some lifeless write ups that are no more than from books available in Bookshops under “Inspirational or How to..Keep it up and may The ABLE continue to help you and sharpen your understanding;it will benefit you if you include,if not already, …رب زدني علم. as part of your du’a.

Very Fine and Practicle Article. Jazak Allah Khair. Wanted to add my 2 bit regarding the Dilemma of many parents regarding the upbringing and islamic practices in todays world.
I too was exactly like the present day Youth having studied in the West Influence and Top that with Service in the Non Islamic Army–with no Muslims/ Masjids in site. But with parents and relatives with very strong BELIEF and Sincere Practice of Islam–NOT THE RIGID form of Adherances. Had not the read the meaning of the QURAN. Hence the knowledge was very scanty and Most of it was DON’Ts. There was no English Translations available to me. Had read the QURAN in Arabic without understanding a word,hence found it a burden to go through. One day My Dad gave me the English Translation of QURAN by Abdullah Yousf Ali.
I read it as a story book the first time.Found it to be the most LOGICAL BOOK. Read again to actually study it like Exam.Had doubts many.got it sorted from scholars.Must have read it many times.Every time some new doubts linger. These days it is easy to get them clarified. My suggestion..PLEASE READ THE MEANING OF THE QURAN LIKE YOU STUDY ANY SUBJECT FOR EXAMS. DON’T READ HADITH TILL YOUR IMAM IS SOLID ROCK. HADITH IS THE LIFE OF OUR PROPHET(saws)LIVED TO PERFECTION. WE MUST TRY TO FOLLOW BUT EVERY ONE HAS LIMITATIONS OF HIS CAPABILITIES–eg.If you ask the fastest man on earth Bolt to run Marathon he will fail or not complete it. But ALLAH (SWT)Justice is Perfect. So he created100 Grades of Heaven.So those who follow the hadith to the T go to grade1 and so on.At least we Muslims start with PASS MARKs by only saying KALIMA .We have to now ensure that our marks are not cut for bad behaviors and the 9 BIGGEST sins. Allah has said that sins HE will forgive if he finds us as Genuine Muslims.REGARDING PRAYERS START WITH ONCE ADAY TO THANK THE SUPREME,MERCIFUL,LOVING ALLAH FOR THE PRECIOUS THINGS HE HASGIVEN US LIKE EYES THE FUNCTIONING ORGANS AND JOINTS. ONCE YOU START TO THANK THE LORD ONCE A DAY YOU WILL WANT TO DO MORE. After all we take so much PAIN to thank our friends and relatives for the small gesture or favours..IS IT TOO MUCH TO THANK THE CREATOR.EVERY ONE HAS TO THINK AND FEEL HIMSELF/HERSELF.WE AS PARENTS OFTEN BECOME A PAIN IN THE NECK. AIM SHOULD BE TO GENERATE REALISATION. MAY ALLAH GUDE ALL OF US. PRAYERS OF PARENTS SHALL CERTAINLY HELP IN GENERATING THIS REALISATION. PROGRESS WILL FOLLOW THEREAFTER IN SHA ALLAH.

Mashaa Allah. this was the same ques we were discussing in our usrah here.. Im still a student and keep on questioning my self on how to be productive and contribute the most towards the community. I always think that we can only contribute when we are working because we have skills and money and more matured. but I was wrong! We can contribute the most when we are actually young! Mashaa Allah. Allahhu akbar. now I realized. it is very clear to me now. jazakallahu khayran kathira for this article :)

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